Abstract 399: CPR in Chicago Public Schools; A Survey for Implementation of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Education in Schools

Abstract

Introduction: There is variability on CPR and AED training requirements and mandates in schools; some states require teachers to be certified in CPR while others, such as Illinois, only require students to be taught CPR prior to graduation. However, even when required, implementation is not always successful. Most US schools do not establish protocols for sudden cardiac arrest. Identification of barriers to implementation of such protocols and school-wide CPR and AED training are needed for safety of students and staff. Hypothesis: To survey Chicago Public Schools (CPS) staff on knowledge and barriers to training in CPR, AED, and sudden cardiac arrest. Methods: A 20-question anonymous survey was distributed to adult Chicago Public School staff. Questions included on knowledge of CPR, AED, and sudden cardiac arrest, knowledge of the schools’ preparedness, barriers to CPR, AED training, and desire of staff to improve CPR, AED knowledge. Results: Of 95 respondents, 53% were teachers. 66% had previously participated in CPR training, but 60% had not taken it in the last 2 years and. 41% did not know how to operate an AED and 30% had learned but were not confident they would be able to use it. 90% said they would like more education on sudden cardiac arrest, but only 3.2% had CPR training available to them through the school. When asked about future training, 42% would sign up regardless of cost, 51% said they would sign up only if free of cost. 21% provided cost as the only barrier and 45% of respondents selected both cost and time as the main barriers. Conclusions: Our survey demonstrates a lack of knowledge in CPR, AED and sudden cardiac arrest. Despite strong interest, barriers such as availability, time, and cost stand in the way of increasing preparedness. Through community organizations and volunteers, free basic training programs for schools can be created addressing the issue of cost, time and comfort with CPR and AED use can be created; in teaching staff, we can increase safety and the availability of persons to train students.